Job Discussion Forums

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

I was just wondering how many FTs out there will stay a second (or third?) year at their current school? I read a lot of posts of people changing schools, doing the "midnight run", and so on. I don't particularly LOVE my school, but I figure . . . "the devil you know . . . " - - you know? We all know so many Chinese schools have problems. I feel that by staying a second year, I can anticipate and more easily deal with the problems that I faced this year. Besides, I was offered a hefty pay raise and my satellite dish is here and all hooked up.

There are a few that have been with their schools for a while, yes? So, why are so many changing schools? Change of scenery? Better pay/benefit offers? The school you're leaving is just horrible?

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

I am planning on sticking around in the same school for the next 3 years unless something goes really wrong. My wife and I are their first full time Laowais so I can't say that it has been painless but we have gotten used to each other over the last 4 months and I know from reading these forums that most folks have it a lot worse than we do.

We had threatened to walk outa few times over certain issues but things have gotten much better.... I'm here for the long haul...

Healer · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 71 Location: In Beijin

Hi Nolefan:
The doggy must be happy!
Which town are you again?

mike w · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 3:07 pm Post subject:

I've already been at my school for three years - got no plans to leave yet, or for the foreseeable future.

In fact, I'm planning on staying in China permanently. Cool

Tao Burp · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 118 Location: CHINA

Yeah, usually after one year at a college, you can usually tell if it's a hellhole and time to move on.
I have been teaching at the same place for almost 5 years now. Is it paradise? Hardly. It boils down to trade offs--what you can tolerate balanced with what you can't, but also, in the long run, what do you find rewarding. I hear, or rather read, so many stories about folks teaching in some private language school or college for more money, but very little assistance, and long hours where their free time is milked for doing promotional photographic gigs.
I think having good people in your FAO goes a long, long way and having those people understand foreigners and care about them. However, I wouldn't necessarily recommend where I teach to just anybody. Sometimes the location of where you teach in China makes a difference too as well as your age and your expectations.

Healer · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 71 Location: In Beijin

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

Tao Burp · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 118 Location: CHINA

Laoshi1950 · Joined: 22 May 2004 Posts: 198 Location: Australia

I have been teaching in China for three years now - 1 year at a college in Nanchang (Jiangxi), and 2 years at my current university in Wenzhou (Zhejiang).

Each location has its positives and negatives as places to live and work.

I stayed in Wenzhou for the second year because the offered salary and other benefits in the package were relatively better than what was offered elsewhere in China.

However, I am now moving on for the next semester to a public university in Shanghai. The salary I will get there is RMB1500 a month less than WZ, but the work hours are considerably less too- only 16 periods a week, compared with 22 periods a week in WZ. The other attraction is that the Shanghai university pays an accommodation allowance and a monthly utilities allowance to allow me to live off campus.

So, I have opted for a lower salary, fewer work hours, and a possibly better lifestyle in Shanghai.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

I will go to the clinic this coming Monday for the medical exam so my employer can settle the visa issue for the next term before the holidays get under way.
That means I am going to stay for one more year on top of my first one semester.
The one semester experience was overwhelmingly good even though students at our uni are low achievers, over all.
On the other hand, I have been treated very well by everyone, administration and students, and even some of my international peers.
My second job earned me that little extra that the uni couldn't. I am sure I will live as comfortably in the future as I lived through last semester.
THis is the fourth job where I signed for a second year. I want a little more stability. Few jobs are worth the time you put in hunting for them and turning down other offers.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

I tend to agree with Roger. Any school can look appealing on their website, but once you get there . . . . . . ????

However, I find out today that my school is not really sanctioned to hire foreign teachers and they may be in trouble with the local PSB (rumor has it they were fined 50,000rmb earlier this year due to having a couple of international students here on an . . . L visa!!). Most of the current teachers are moving on (or have moved on) to "greener pastures" and the others that want to stay are getting the run around. I feel like if they are saying that I am an "educational consultant" (whatever the H E L L that means!) that they should clarify my job and let me do that (as opposed to teaching). Nah! I like teaching to much! Smile

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I'm leaving in August. Been here a year and half. Want to finish learning Spanish, then get a Grad Dip in teaching. I plan to be back in Jan 07 though. China is wonderful!

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

I'll be back eventually - going back to Canada soon to do my Education.

But not before taking some time off and traveling. I've been going pretty much nose-to-grindstone for the last few years, and last year was an especially busy one. It's time for a break.

That said, yesterday the English Department of our school hosted a farewell party and dinner for 'me'. It wasn't really an exlcusive party for the FT (although they made sure I was the center of attention) as 6 other teachers announced their resignation.

Six!!

This was a shock, but of course it wasn't a surprise as the FT is always the last to know these things. Looking back there were all kinds of hints that those teachers would leave. But the number was quite a lot, as this was almost 1/4 of the Department.

Steve

traveller · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 100

Well, I'm moving to Shanghai from my year in Changchun. I expect Big Changes!

My school? Not too bad, bot too bad. I could have done a lot worse -- for a newbie, it's an OK place to start. I like the city (despite the dirt), and if it wasn't for other financial obligations (and the killer cold!), I'd seriously consider staying....

Taiping04 · Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 188 Location: East of Aden

I'm just finishing my third year at the same school. Two would have been enough, but given that we get along pretty well, it wasn't worth changing just for one year.
Why only one year? Because I have used up all sabbaticals and various leave entitlements available from my job teaching back home. They've said come back or quit. And tenured positions paying AUD 65k a year are hard to come by, so off I'll go in a week.
This will no doubt please ludwig because, unlike him, once I leave China I doubt if I'll have the time or inclination to check in here too often.